Run Wild

Maybe if I will count and complain about my injuries that I've had while training, I wouldn't achieve my goals as an addict runner. I started my running habit about 10 years ago only for the benefit of losing weight which I successfully accomplished. Until some of the runners I've met encouraged me to run for the 5 kilometer race for a charity. I never did finish 5 kilometers during those times, it was always 3 to 4 kilometers or lesser than those figures.  It was only then that I thought of preparing for the race, which I successfully completed! And with that, I became an avid devotee of charity runs because I thought it was fun and fulfilling!

KICKS!

And then my ambition of doing long distance running came. I have been very hesitant of running 10 kilometers for a long time that's why it took me so many years before I started because I thought I couldn't make it. I invested with a good pair of running shoes, which I thought could help me improve my running ability. Well of course, it doesn't depend only with the kicks. I started with it one step at a time, by adding a distance of 500 meters to 1 kilometer from my usual 5 kilometer run. Until I accomplished my desired distance which took months of training. Year 2015, I ran 10K for the first time in an hour and 15 minutes, I was amazed and the feeling was so rewarding! And that started my 10 K running romance by joining charity runs again under that category.

Hooray!

I thought 10 K run would be the conclusion of my ambition but wait...there's more! I had a desire of running half marathon and I asked myself, would that be too much? That would mean more time and effort. Furthermore, I wouldn't be challenged if I won't join any forthcoming marathon to push me to train for it! So I registered to the Condura Skyway Marathon under the 21 K category. For me, it looks so scary especially when I imagined the route which I will go through. First day of training and a month before the race, I went for a 15K run but the next day my back injury beat me. I was so frustrated and worried, I went for an injury treatment for six sessions and the positive news was when my doctor told me that running is not restricted, and it gave me hope! Yes, there's pain, but I just ignored it. I practiced yoga and did a lot of house works as my cross training, I ran in the rain, I trekked to increase my physical and moral strength. No pain, no gain!

The big day came! It was still dark, all participants were warming up. I was having jitters and my left foot was hurting! Seriously? At 3:30 AM, the starting pistol fired, I prayed and kept my "mind over matter" habit in my mind. It's a long road and arriving at the half-way point was already a big relief! My body was aching and legs were tired but I have to put in my mind that I'm not done yet. I entertained myself by listening to the music, by singing, talking to my running buddy, laughing, reading billboards, counting buildings and waited for the sun to rise but it rained! As I approach the finish line it made me run faster and the moment I stepped on it, I leaped... breathed deeply then victoriously exhaled all my remaining energy! Two hours and forty five minutes when I looked at the timer, not bad for me, at least I arrived alive! For me, the finisher shirt and the medal are tokens reminding of me of hard work, patience and determination. Running makes me happy and free from all the things which  holds me back. It gives me freedom! Running has taught me how to wait patiently for the crowning glory, a thing that I can practice not only during the marathon but in every situations in my life. I don't compete with anybody, my only opponent is myself and nobody else. And that's a challenge! What's next? I don't know.

Thank you for reading!

Do You Run?

Yes I do! And if only I have all the time, I would always do. But before I start I just want to say that I am a little disappointed when I accidentally deleted some pictures that I should be uploading in this post. But anyway I couldn't do anything with that anymore. To continue...running is always the second thing in my daily routine and that is if the weather is good. It keeps me fit, energetic and alert. Aside from it's physical benefits, I get to appreciate all the simple things that I see which some of us fail or refuse to notice. Going to the gym is not my preference, I would choose outdoor running especially in the wee hours of the morning. My special place for running is the Circumferential Road 6, a long stretch of highway along Laguna Lake connecting southern provinces to the northern provinces which aims to ease the traffic in the metropolis.  Lately, I make it a point to bring along my camera to take things that distracts me while running. I don't usually do it but since I sometimes regret not bringing it when I see interesting things along the way. The classic break of the day which I always miss when I don't have my camera with me made me halt and find time to snap on it.  The figures of  fishermen which silhouetted against the rising sun added attraction to my sight however sunrise can even be beautiful during summer.

A duck enjoying it's early morning bath in the muddy water, and didn't even mind the camera at all. I've seen a lot them crossing my path and seems like they're enjoying the beautiful day after the storm. Quack!

Can you see doggie's first catch of the day? Ummm he looked happy but before he starts with the fish, he looked at me as if he says "hey can you get me some sauce?"!

I stopped for a while and get a chance to talk to the woman who keeps flocks of animals in her little house along the dike. She has chickens, dogs, ducks, pigs, turkeys, cats and a turtle. I wondered how she's coping with all of them? She threw some feeds and all of them came running and hurriedly pecked them one by one as if there's no tomorrow.

Time has passed and I didn't notice my routine has ended and it's time for me to cool down. The colorful display of fruits and vegetable stand on the street corner was inviting. They sell freshly picked vegetables from the nearby farms. Fresh fish caught from the lake were also being sold along the road. I bought some bananas, sweet potatoes, horseradish and hurriedly went to home before the sun gets higher and my empty stomach grumbles! Running helps relieve stress, it can be a way of removing all the negative energies residing in your system,  improves one's locomotion, appreciate the things around me, and it can make your running shoes exhausted but not you! Thank you for reading!